3100 Saint Claude Ave.

Staff Recommendations: : 

The FEMA survey estimates that 3100 Saint Claude was constructed between 1870 and 1880; however, the building first appears on the 1893 Sanborn Fire Insurance map. The applicant is requesting approval to install a 10’-0” fence toward the rear of the property.

The proposed fence height conflicts with both the HDLC Design Guidelines and the City of New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO). The HDLC Guidelines generally limit fences to a maximum height of 7 feet and state that fences should remain compatible with the scale and character of the historic district. Oversized fences can disrupt the visual consistency of the streetscape, appear out of proportion with surrounding properties, and negatively impact the historic character of the area. While the proposed fence exceeds the typical height standards outlined in the Guidelines, it is located at the rear of a commercial property and is consistent with the overall site organization and previously reviewed design intent. The ARC has also previously recommended approval of related site elements, and the fence functions as a continuation of that approved rear-yard treatment. In addition, the applicant has received a conditional use approval, as well as zoning approval for the increased fence height.

 For these reasons, Staff recommends approval of the proposed fence.